UNBS, EA Grain Council to promote grain quality
Proper handling of grain from the farm to consumer would improve quality.
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with East African Grain Council (EAGC) to improve and promote the quality of East Africa’s grains. The move is aimed at ensuring the quality of grain and grain products so as to enhance competitiveness of exports in regional and international markets.
Maintain quality
“We hereby agree to put in place pre-requisites for structured grain trading which includes adequate storage capacity, organising small scale farmers who have capacity to aggregate volume, institutionalising and harmonising grades and standards, and adhering to contracts and rules of trade,” the agreement reads in part.
Gerald Makau Masila, executive director, EAGC, and Dr Ben Manyindo, executive director, UNBS, signed on behalf of their organisations. The agreement also shows ways to maintain quality of grains until it reaches the consumer, promote handling practices, enhance post-harvest handling, and conduct training.
It shows grading methods to ensure production of grain that meets customer requirements and facilitates fair domestic and regional trade.
Isaac Tallam, staple foods trade advisor, East Africa Trade Hub, USAID, pointed out that maize, for example, which is commonly grown in Uganda is poorly harvested, processed and transported. This makes the markets reject it.
“There are no guildelines for both pre- and post-harvest handling and when the maize flour is rejected in regional and international markets, it causes loss of revenue and forex to the economy,” he said.
